City to hold public meetings addressing gang violence

Published: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 9:06 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 9:06 a.m.

WILMINGTON | During the next three months, the city of Wilmington will host public meetings to address gang violence.

The meetings are designed to identify short and long-term strategies that can reduce gang violence, according to a news release. The first meeting will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday in city hall, 102 N. Third St.

Nearly 300 people representing organizations including nonprofits, law enforcement, businesses, churches and educational institutions have been invited.

The first meeting is designed to define issues that need to be addressed while subsequent meetings will focus on solutions and implementation. In the release, City Manager Sterling Cheatham said law enforcement is only part of the solution.

"What we are trying to do is help coordinate efforts from all sectors of our community and focus their resources to help stop gang violence where it starts," Cheatham said.

– Julian March

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